BROOKLINE, Mass. – The University of Delaware women’s soccer team dropped a heartbreaking match to Northeastern in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Quarterfinals.

The match ended in a double overtime 0-0 tie that led to a penalty kick shootout. The Huskies outscored the Blue Hens 4-3 in penalty kicks on a chilly night at Parson’s Field.

The No. 6 Delaware Blue Hens defeated the Northeastern Huskies 2-0 in the regular season and end the 2013 slate with a 9-7-3 overall (3-3-3 CAA) record. Northeastern, 5-8-5 overall, will advance to the CAA Semifinals on Friday, Nov. 8 against William & Mary. The semifinal matchup is set 3 p.m. at host James Madison’s University Park field.

It is the second consecutive year both Delaware and Northeastern’s CAA Quarterfinals match was decided on penalty kicks. Last year, Delaware fell to UNCW while Northeastern fell to Hofstra.

“What a way to end the season,” said Delaware head coach Scott Grzenda. “PK’s are never how you want to end a game but some times that is your fate.”

After the teams played to a 0-0 tie through regulation and two 10-minute overtime periods, the game went to a penalty kick shootout. In the penalty kicks format, each team selects five players to shoot on goal with the team that scores the most advancing to the next round of the tournament.

In the shootout, Delaware’s first two kicks by Chelsea Duffy and Shannon Kearny both found the back of the Northeastern goal. Then Natalie Zelenky’s put a kick off the right post while the Huskies first four kicks were good. Delaware’s last PK attempt by Dianna Marinaro went just right of the goal allowing NU to advance, 4-3.

“I could not be more proud of this team,” said Grzenda. “I’ve never been associated with a group that’s worked harder or has been closer. It will take a while to sink in and even longer for me to come to grips with the loss of our seniors. We wish the best to Northeastern throughout the rest of the tournament.”